Code Link brings the seamless, real-time collaboration of Google Docs directly into your Visual Studio Code editor.
Share a simple link (Room ID) and code together on the same file — instantly.
See your collaborators' cursors, type together, and watch changes appear live.
✨ Features
Real-Time Collaborative Editing — Multiple users can type, delete, and edit in the same file simultaneously.
Shared Cursors & Awareness — See your collaborators' cursors, selections, and names in real time to know who is doing what.
Simple Link Sharing — Start a session and share a unique, secure Room ID to invite others. No complex setup required.
Works on Existing Files — No need to create new files; start a session on any file you already have open.
📖 How to Use
Code Link has two roles: Host and Guest.
▶ Host (Start a Collaboration Session)
Open the file you wish to share in VS Code.
Open the Command Palette:
Windows/Linux: Ctrl + Shift + P
macOS: Cmd + Shift + P
Run the command: Code Link: Start Collaboration Session.
A notification will appear with a Room ID. Click Copy ID and share it with your collaborators.
👥 Guest (Join a Collaboration Session)
Open VS Code (no file needs to be open initially).
Open the Command Palette:
Windows/Linux: Ctrl + Shift + P
macOS: Cmd + Shift + P
Run the command: Code Link: Join Collaboration Session.
Paste the Room ID you received from the host and press Enter.
A new editor tab will open with the shared code — start collaborating instantly!
⚙️ Configuration
To make collaboration clearer, you can set a custom display name that will appear next to your cursor for other users.
Open VS Code Settings:
Windows/Linux: Ctrl + ,
macOS: Cmd + ,
In the search bar, type Code Link.
Find the input box labeled Display Name.
Enter the name you'd like others to see.
The change is saved automatically.
If you don’t set a name, a random one (e.g., User-abcd) will be assigned to you for the session.
⚙ Requirements
Code Link requires a running y-websocket server for synchronization.
For local testing:
# Install the server
npm install -g y-websocket
# Run the server
y-websocket-server
